A mobile coffee van at Bole Hills Park has been shut down due to the cost of living crisis.
The owners of Gypsy Brew van, Rhiannon and Bianca Silcock Randle met during the lock down and started the business in 21 August 2021.
Bianca said: “Our aim was to create a magical, plant-based beacon of good vibes in our beloved community and to follow our dreams to create a family business. It was our dream to be part of the community and a service for it.”
During the pandemic, the coffee van had become a symbol of hope for many people in the district. The customers got more than just coffee and cake, they had a safe, cosy space to relax, chat and spend time.
Dianne Bradshaw, who lives nearby, said: “I’m really going to miss them. They kept me going through lockdown. I always used to use them at Bole hills, where they were a shining light.”
The van, which was named after their dog, started in Crookes and later expanded to events around the city as well.
However, being one of the many businesses that have taken a financial hit, they have had to make a considered decision to close their coffee van.
Rhiannon said: “It’s hard times. We started as a start up business after a global pandemic, then there was the cost of living crisis. There has also been family stuff that has made it almost impossible to carry on really.”
Many people from the local community and beyond braved the rain to come and buy a cup of coffee to say goodbye to the coffee van.
Karen Mee was one of the people who came to say farewell and pick up a last cuppa. She said: “When times were difficult, they were always there, smiling and friendly, and someone to talk to. I shall miss them.”
Bianca added: “To start a business you probably need a bit more capital behind you because the current climate is so unpredictable.
“We didn’t have that cushion for a lot of the unpredictability that goes with it.”
The couple had been overwhelmed with the comments of people who had come out in the rain. She passed on their thanks to them for turning out.